12 Amazing Viewpoints in New York City For All Budgets
Whether you’re visiting New York for the first time, or the fifth or fiftieth time, the city views here never get old. From sky high spots that make the millions pacing the streets seem like insects, to sights that take in the intimate bustle of the streets, there are hundreds of great places to get a feel for the Big Apple.
So, whether you’re wanting to splash out or see the city for less, check out these spots that will give you the best viewpoints in New York City!
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Looking for a guided New York Skyline tour?
Take a morning skyline guided tour to see the best views of the city; or a night time skyline tour to see the lights of the Big Apple in their full glory!
Paid Viewpoints in New York
Empire State Building
I mean, duh. The Empire State Building is probably THE most famous view in New York – and for good reason. Towering 102 stories above central Manhattan, the 86th floor observatory takes in stretching views of the city, state and beyond. On a clear day, visibility from the deck is up to 80 miles.
Admission Price: From $44 – & included with most NYC tourist passes.
Top Of The Rock
Top of The Rock is another Manhattan observatory deck, with a slightly cheaper admission price than the Empire State Building. Perched atop the Rockafeller Center (hence the name, obviously), this one’s spread across the 67th, 69th and 70th floors – so not as high as the Empire State building, but the views over the city are still jaw-dropping.
Admission Price: From $40 – & included with most NYC tourist passes.
One World Observatory
One World Trade Center stands on the site of the former World Trade Center, and is North America’s tallest building – which makes it a great place to check out the city from above at the One World Observatory. Alongside the 360 degree views, the Horizon Grid shows off the places and sites of unforgettable moments that can be seen from One World Observatory.
Admission Price: From $44
The Cantor Roof Garden
Perched at the top of NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, the Cantor Roof Garden bar offers drinks with a serious view of central park and the city skyline. The perfect place to relax after a couple of hours wandering the museum exhibits!
Admission Price: Museum entry $30 – & included with most NYC tourist passes.
Learn more about the museum’s extensive collection with a Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art guided tour!
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
A mind-bending NYC viewpoint for the brave, taking a fresh and immersive sensory approach to observation decks! The One Vanderbilt building was opened in 2020, a 1401ft high skyscraper close to Grand Central Station. Home to a mirrored infinity room, the SUMMIT viewpoint makes you feel like you’re literally walking on air.
Admission Price: From $46
Edge Observation Deck
The highest open-air sky deck in the West, the Edge Observation Deck in Hudson Yard offers 360-degree views on its 100 stories high outdoor viewing deck.
Admission Price: From $43
New York Travel Tip: You can book a table for lunch at the PEAK restaurant and lounge – there’s a minimum $40pp spend to get complimentary access to the Observation Deck. Lunch dishes are priced between $25-$38.
Cheap views in New York
Roosevelt Island Tram
This cable car connects Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, and is popular with commuters and city vistors alike. The journey offers up scenic views of Manhattan’s bustling streets, and once you reach Roosevelt island, you can also take in the sights of the Manhattan skyline.
Price: $2.90 each way, or included with an unlimited Metro pass
Best free views in NYC
Staten Island Ferry
If you’re visiting New York on a budget, the Staten Island Ferry is a great way to take in the famous Statue of Liberty for free! As well as getting close to Lady Liberty, you’ll also get some great views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights.
The free Staten Island Ferry runs every half hour, on the hour and at 30mins past, from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal (Manhattan) to the St. George Ferry Terminal (Staten Island).
Brooklyn Bridge
One of the world’s most iconic bridges is a view AND a viewpoint! Whether you’re visiting in the sunshine or with an atmospheric fog hovering over the bridge (like we did), a stroll along Brooklyn Bridge is one of the things that’ll truly sweep you up in the New York vibes.
Oh, and for a great photo opp of the bridge itself, head to Washington Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn, where the red brick buildings perfectly frame the bridge’s centre.
The High Line
On the final day of my last visit to New York, we took a stroll along the High Line to take in the buzz of Manhattan. The mile-and-a-half long park is built on a former railway line (hence the name) and takes about half an hour to walk – although if you stop to soak in the views (which you should!), it might take a fair bit longer!
Uncover the little-known secrets of the High Line and surrounding areas, on a High Line and Chelsea guided tour!
Gantry Plaza State Park
A waterfront park in Long Island, with wonderful eye-level views of the midtown Manhattan skyline. Look out for the large Pepsi-Cola sign, a representation of the area’s industrial history.
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
This large public park in West Brookyln offers expansive green space with views across to Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Bring a picnic and enjoy a cheap way to soak in some of the best free NYC views!
Rooftop bars in New York with views
To enjoy the New York skyline with a drink in hand, head to one of New York’s famous rooftop bars or restaurants.
- Time Out Market Rooftop Bar (West Brooklyn): Take in river views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan at this buzzing market bar
- Westlight (West Brooklyn): From the 22nd floor of the William Vale hotel, see the Manhattan skyline from across the river.
- Harriet’s Rooftop (West Brooklyn): Classic cocktails with views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
- The Crown (Chinatown): Drinks and bar bites with striking city views at this upscale hotel rooftop bar.
- 230 Fifth (Midtown Manhattan): Surround yourself with the Manhattan skyline in one of New York’s largest rooftop bars.
- Skylark (Midtown Manhattan): Enjoy panoramic views of the Empire State Building and Hudson river in this cosy spot.
- Overstory (Financial District): 64th floor rooftop bar, surrounded by a wrap-around terrace for 360 degree city views.
- Azul on the Rooftop (Lower Manhattan): Lively lounge bar with Cuban-flavoured food and drinks menu.
Taking a helicopter over New York
Want to blow the budget for a spectacular, birds-eye view of New York? A helicopter tour allows you see NYC from the sky, taking in its sprawling mass and seeing the tallest buildings in the city from a whole different vantage point.
Book your NYC helicopter tour:
More New York Travel Articles:
- How To Visit New York City on a Budget
- 13 Awesome and Affordable Places To Eat in NYC for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- The Essential Things to Do When You’re Visiting New York for the First Time
- Colourful Travel in New York: The Color Factory
- NYC Sightseeing: Is The New York Pass Worth It?
- Review | Burger Joint at the Thompson Central Park Hotel
